A HERMIT'S WILD FRIENDS 



figure eights, moving from side to side of the 

 grassy path, which was over five feet in width. 

 His movements were so rapid the eye could 

 see only a black streak. While I could 

 not see the mink move toward the grouse, I saw 

 that the distance between them grew less quite 

 rapidly. Feeling sure that the grouse was 

 doomed, for it seemed unable to do anything 

 but follow the rapid motion of the mink, I 

 stepped forward and gave a shout. The 

 grouse flew away, and the mink turned on me 

 and let out a yell that was fierce and loud 

 enough for a tiger. He acted as if he meant 

 to attack me, but thought better of it, and 

 ran into a stone wall. From this safe retreat 

 he yelled while I was in sight. This case 

 puzzled me. It appeared almost impossible 

 that such a wary, muscular bird as the grouse 

 could be hypnotized. The mink was surely 

 but slowly nearing the grouse when I inter- 

 fered. I am sorry I did not remain quiet, and 

 so find out if the grouse was able to fly away 

 before the danger-point was reached. As it is, 

 I remain in doubt. 



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